Tag Archives: bailout gun

Meet the USAF’s new bailout gun

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The USAF Aircrew Self Defense Weapon shown together, top, and taken down, bottom:

USAF Aircrew Self Defense Weapon together and taken down hr

(Photos: USAF)

The ASDW must stow inside a 16 x 14 x 3.5-inch ejection seat compartment. The guns get that small due to the use of an M4 style collapsible stock, flip-up backup iron sights, an Israeli FAB Defense AGF-43S folding pistol grip, and a Cry Havoc Tactical Quick Release Barrel (QRB) kit. The barrel is reportedly the standard 14.5-inch M4 model, although I have my doubts and looks more like an 11.5-incher.

More in my column at Guns.com.

Bailout guns, Line of Control edition

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The latest in the long series of dust-ups between India and Pakistan across the controversial Line of Control along Kashmir saw at least one MiG-21 Bison of the IAF splashed and (according to India) a PAF F-16 likewise retired. While the Pakistanis dispute their loss, the downed MiG driver, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, spent three days as a guest in Pakistan and lived to tell the tale.

However, it looks like the Pakistanis kept his bailout gun, a Gen 3 Glock 26 9mm subcompact.

Coming soon to the PAF Museum…note the unlucky “13” rack number

Meanwhile, a battered and bloody Varthaman, shown rescued from agitated locals by Pakistani Army troops in images flashed around the world, became the stuff of legend back home for his repeated insistence when questioned on camera to only provide his name, rank and serial number, responding politely to other questions only with “I’m sorry, I am not supposed to tell you this.”

More in my column at Guns.com.

Of Stechkins and bailout guns

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In 2015, Russian state media detailed that aircrew operating in Syria were carrying AK pattern rifles, and Stechkin APS machine pistols with several 20-round magazines to use should they have to eject.

Well it looks like one got a bit of use last week when the pilot of a shot down Russian Aerospace Force Su-25SM attack aircraft, when cornered by insurgents reportedly resorted to his personal weapons and was not taken alive.

(Photo: CIT)

Among the items reportedly recovered from the downed pilot was a 9x18mm Stechkin APS pistol with three partially loaded mags, one of which appears empty.

More in my column at Guns.com.